Attorney Cristiano Zanin

Brasilia, June 21 (RHC) Attorney Cristiano Zanin, appointed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to serve as Minister of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), claimed he will be defending Brazil´s Constitution and his independence and impartiality in case he takes office.

During the Senate hearing to debate his nomination, Zanin pointed out that he will champion the Constitution, that the “STF does not have the role of legislating” and that the judge should not act as a protagonist.

Questioned about his close relationship with Lula, Zanin replied that he will not be subordinate “to whoever he is,” as well as knowing the distinction between the work of a lawyer and a Supreme Court minister.

Lula recently stated that “everyone expected me to appoint Zanin, not only because of the role he played in my defense but simply because I believe that Zanin will become a great STF judge in Brazil”.  (Source: PL)